Yes. Adults who never had chickenpox as a child can still get the chickenpox vaccine. It can help build protection later in life, and for many adults, vaccination is a sensible way to avoid a much harder illness than the one most people remember from school.
What Is Chickenpox and What Are the Symptoms?
Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, and chickenpox symptoms usually begin with a mild fever and tiredness, followed by an itchy, blister-like rash that spreads across the body. In children, the illness is often mild and short-lived. In adults, the same virus can cause a far more uncomfortable and sometimes serious infection.
Why Adult Immunity Status Matters
Most people in the UK catch chickenpox in childhood and develop lifelong immunity, but a smaller group reaches adulthood without ever being exposed. If you cannot remember having chickenpox, or you grew up somewhere the virus was less common, your immunity status may genuinely be unknown, and it is worth resolving that uncertainty before you catch the illness as an adult, when chickenpox can be more serious.
Adults who do catch chickenpox are more likely to experience complications such as pneumonia or skin infections from scratching, and recovery often takes longer, meaning extended time away from work.
Can Adults Get the Chickenpox Vaccine?
Yes. Adults can get the chickenpox vaccine, and it is a common question for people who never had chickenpox as a child. The chickenpox vaccine is licensed for use in adults as well as children, and it is generally given as two doses, spaced four to eight weeks apart, to build strong and lasting protection. According to NHS guidance, two doses offer around 75% protection in adults, which is lower than in children but still a meaningful reduction in risk. Adults who do catch chickenpox after vaccination will typically have a much milder illness.
Why the Chickenpox Vaccine for Children Differs From the Adult Approach
The chickenpox vaccine for children is usually most effective when given at a younger age, which is part of why adult protection rates are somewhat lower. That does not mean the vaccine is not worthwhile for adults. Your pharmacist can explain how well it is expected to work and what protection you can realistically expect.
How Long Is the Chickenpox Contagious Period?
The chickenpox contagious period typically begins around one to two days before the rash appears and continues until all the blisters have crusted over, usually five to seven days later. This extended window is one reason outbreaks spread so easily in nurseries, schools, and family households, and it underlines why unprotected adults living or working alongside children face repeated exposure risk. Simple precautions such as avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms can help, but they are not a substitute for confirmed immunity.
Chickenpox Vaccine and Pregnancy
The chickenpox vaccine and pregnancy do not mix. It is not recommended during pregnancy, and anyone planning a pregnancy should complete both doses well in advance, leaving a suitable gap before trying to conceive, as advised by a pharmacist or GP. If you are pregnant and unsure of your immunity, speak to your GP or midwife rather than arranging vaccination yourself.
Protect Yourself Against Chickenpox at Touchwood Pharmacy
Working out whether you need the chickenpox vaccine as an adult does not have to be complicated. At Touchwood Pharmacy, our GPhC-registered pharmacist team can talk through your history, advise on suitability, and get you started on the two-dose course with clear guidance at every step.
Don’t leave your immunity to chance. Book your chickenpox vaccination with Touchwood Pharmacy today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a blood test before having the chickenpox vaccine as an adult?
Not necessarily, but if you are unsure whether you have had chickenpox, a simple antibody blood test can confirm your immunity status before you decide.
How many doses of the chickenpox vaccine do adults need?
Adults need two doses, usually four to eight weeks apart, to achieve the best level of protection.
Is the chickenpox vaccine free on the NHS for adults?
The chickenpox vaccine is not routinely offered to healthy adults on the NHS. It is available privately through pharmacies such as Touchwood Pharmacy.
Can I still catch chickenpox after being vaccinated?
It is possible but uncommon, and breakthrough infections after vaccination are usually much milder than chickenpox in an unvaccinated adult.
What should I do if I’ve been exposed to chickenpox and I’m not vaccinated?
Contact a pharmacist or GP promptly, as post-exposure options may be available depending on when the exposure happened.
Can I have the chickenpox vaccine while breastfeeding?
Speak to your pharmacist or GP first, as individual advice depends on your circumstances and current health.
